HHS Launches “Risk Less. Do More.” Campaign to Encourage Vaccinations at HBCU Tailgates
This fall, the National HBCU Tailgate Tour is bringing together sports, community, and health with the launch of the “Risk Less. Do More.” campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The tour, which will visit eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is aimed at promoting vaccinations and overall health education during football season.
Health at the Heart of the HBCU Tailgate Experience
As part of the tour, adults will have access to free flu and COVID-19 vaccines at designated on-site vaccine activations. These efforts target the Black community, which has been disproportionately affected by respiratory viruses. Last year, over 800,000 people were hospitalized from flu and COVID-19, with Black adults being more likely to be hospitalized than their White and Latino counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
In addition to vaccinations, the tour will feature a variety of events including live music, games, and health seminars at select locations. Attendees will also have access to health education resources, healthy food samples, and wellness workshops designed to empower the community with practical tools for staying healthy.
Kenneth Washington, sports marketing coordinator for the HBCU Tailgate Tour, said, “Health is wealth. We are honored that this tour will not only bring fun and excitement but also empower our community with life-saving health information and access to vaccines.”
Tour Stops and Key Dates
The 2024 HBCU Tailgate Tour will stop at the following locations:
- Austin Area Urban League HBCU Live Experience Football Classic (Hutto, TX) – October 5–6
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL) – October 11–12
- Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) – October 18–19
- Magic City Classic (Birmingham, AL) – October 25–26
- North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC) – November 1–2
- Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA) – November 29–30
- MLK HBCU Invitational (Greenville, SC) – January 18–19
For more information on the “Risk Less. Do More.” campaign and respiratory virus prevention, visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov or check out CDC resources at cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore.
By engaging with HBCU culture and emphasizing health education, this tour aims to ensure that fans, students, and alumni can enjoy the football season while staying healthy and protected.
